Herald Blogs

Mom exploits daughter for sadomasochistic sex

Todd Barkau, 37, and a 46-year-old mother, reportedly a former stripper, are accused of training her 12-year-old girl to have sadomasochistic sex with him and others.

At 14-years-old the girl became known as dominatrix "Mistress Alisha" in the BDSM (Bondage-Domination-Sadism-Masochism) world. Barkau set up a website to offer her services -- which included bondage, burning and genital mutilation -- in exchange for cash or gifts.

The couple calculated about $80,000 in profits during the alleged five years of exploitation. Both pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges at the U.S. District Court in Kansas City. The mother was sentenced to 15 years on Wednesday. Prosecutors are recommending Barkau be sentenced to 25 years in prison as part of a plea agreement.

The woman is the first person involving her own child to be charged under the federal law.